Healing After Tooth Extraction

Once your kingwood tooth extraction procedure is complete, it is important to understand how long it will take for the site to heal. We will review what to expect at each step during the healing process. It is important to understand that everyone heals at a different capacity. There are various factors that impact the timeline which can include, genetics, oral health and personal habits such as smoking. The status and location of the extracted tooth can also pay an important role.

During the first 24 hours after surgery, the healing progress may seem insignificant, but what is taking place in your mouth is critical. You will notice the following:

• Blood clot: Fills in place of the tooth's empty socket. The formation of the clot triggers the early healing process.
• Bleeding: Bleeding from your wound will stop. Prolonged bleeding will disturb the formation of the tissues which are required for the healing process to progress.
• Pain: The discomfort at the extraction will begin to subside.
• Tender Mouth: The region next to the empty socket location will be tender to the touch.
• Gums: The gum tissue that immediately surrounds the empty socket may be white in its appearance.

There will likely be some swelling around the extraction site. This is especially likely in cases of difficult extractions. The swelling can occur in both the tissue surrounding the extraction site and in your face as well. If you experience swelling, it should peak within the first 48 to 72 hours and then begin to subside.

While it may not be noticeable, new gum tissue is developing around the edges of your wound.

Immediately following your tooth's extraction, the socket will fill with blood and a clot will form. The blood clot typically fills the entire socket and the gum tissue that surrounds it. The clot is made up of platelets and red and white blood cells. The platelets and cells are bonded together in a fibrin gel. The fibrin gel gives the clot a soft consistency. The platelets and cells then begin to produce the chemical compounds that begin the healing process.

While the healing process continues, the blood clot is infiltrated by other cells and newly forming tissues. The clot essentially becomes the foundation for the remainder of the healing process. As a result, the blood clot is a critical part of the healing process that helps ensure you can return to normal activities.

The amount of rest required after the extraction procedure will vary based on the circumstances surrounding the procedure. Most patients need to go home following the extraction and get some rest. This allows time for any anesthesia to wear off and for the bleeding to subside. It is also critical to understand the dentist’s instructions for your postoperative recovery.

Most patients can return to regular non-strenuous activities such as going back to work, attending class and shopping the day after the procedure. Patients who have more complicated extractions or suffer from complications, may require additional time before returning to normal activities. Most patients can return to the normal routine within a few days.

More on Tooth Extraction : How Much Tooth Extractions Cost?